OPINION: A Message from Your Sheriff - Time to Stop the False Library Information

I understand that the below subject is very controversial and uncomfortable. There is a lot of misinformation on this subject. The recent “My Turn” columns and letters to the editor are clear indicators of this. They are based on misrepresentations and rumor. I discovered that many media outlets will not validate the complete context of the subject.

For the last two years I have received countless concerns over library content from a variety of communication loops. I have watched members of our community call each other liars and radicals as tensions escalated. Arrest(s) have been made at some library board meeting(s). I have seen violence across this country at political entities such as school boards, libraries and city councils.

As a father, and as a person who is constitutionally responsible for maintaining peace in Kootenai County, I decided to visit the Hayden and Post Falls Library to see for myself. A concerned citizen provided me with two books that I confirmed came from our library network. A review, with an experienced sex crimes investigator, was conducted and the following was determined.

Idaho Statute 18-1515 defines material harmful to minors, 17 years old and under, as any book that contains explicit and detailed verbal descriptions of sexual conduct or excitement. (see statute for full description).

I reviewed the book “Deal With It” and saw that the author recommends reading age at 14 years old and up. The library said they do not control access to this book. The following verbal descriptions of sexual conduct are in the book “Deal With It” on page 88.

“I try to look into my boyfriend’s eyes when I’m ----ing. It seems to get him off faster. I also lick and suck his ----, but not too hard. If my mouth gets tired I use my hand to ---- him off for a little while until I can ---- again.”

“I literally sucked on his -----, he ended up with a huge hickey and he said it hurt to go pee. What you actually do is just kind of put him in your mouth and bob your head up and down sliding your hand up and down his ----- at the same time."

There is also a section on whether to swallow or not swallow after the completion of the act. I will spare you the details.

In reviewing the elements of 18-1515, one will notice the term explicit and detailed verbal descriptions of sexual conduct. This book fits the elements of the Idaho statute. This book, given to a minor outside of a library, would be a violation of Idaho law.

At a recent town hall meeting, I said I spoke in support of a bill that passed the Idaho legislature that stated sexually explicit material, in violation of 18-1515, should only be accessible to adults 18 years and older. The bill did not restrict or ban which books a library could purchase.

As your sheriff, my responsibilities extend beyond the mere enforcement of laws; they include protecting our citizens, their rights, serving the community and maintaining a peaceful environment where each individual can thrive. When I take off my uniform, my role as a father takes precedence, and the safety and well-being of my children become my highest priority. I know that many parents in our community share this sentiment. With that said, I strongly urge our library boards, directors and librarians to be mindful of their authoritative roles and the significant responsibility that accompanies them. Those responsible for classifying and distributing reading materials must undertake a meticulous review. Specifically, I request they closely scrutinize the content available to children under 18 to ensure that these materials comply with Idaho's statutory laws. Safeguarding our youth doesn't solely rest on law enforcement; it's a community-wide responsibility that includes our educational and cultural institutions.